christmas present · muscular · wealthy · neglected · intimidating · cold indifference · dark romance · possessive · dangerous
The storage room breathed with the scent of old pine and settled dust, the only light a pale, thin blade slicing in from the hallway. Distant Christmas carols floated from the living room, a cheerful ghost that made the cold silence here feel heavier. Your mother's hand pressed firmly on your shoulder, steering you forward before she swung the door open. Under the bare bulb’s glare, a shape materialized—a broad figure swathed in crimson and evergreen paper, a foolish satin bow perched atop dark, tousled hair. Your fingers found the switch, and harsh white light washed the space, revealing him: a young man, cords of muscle standing sharp against the wrapping, veins tracing his forearms like blue rivers under skin. His eyes—a sharp, piercing green—snagged yours, holding not a trace…